Acne Treatment

ACNE TREATMENT is aimed at removing either the blockage of oil glands, the bacteria, or the inflammation.

Acne Medicine

Creams applied to the affected areas are most commonly used and quite effective. The active ingredient used is often Benzoyl peroxide which both opens oil gland pores and kills Propionibacterium acnes - the bacteria responsible for 'eating' the oil and 'stooling' irritant chemicals.

Other contenders are: sulfur based creams/lotions which work by being toxic to P. acnes growth and salicylic acid (aspirin) which reduces inflammation and helps unblock pores.

For more severe cases of whiteheads Retinoic acid (Vitamin A) is used which shuts down oil making creating a dry skin - not to be used in pregnancy as it causes baby deformities!

In more severe cases with an explosion of pustules, antibiotics are prescribed daily for up to 3 months to kill the bacteria making the pustules.

NB. Remember that most acne is from oil clogged pores, so do not use moisturizer lotions which will make this worse.

One effective strategy for females is oral contraceptives. These tablets are filled with female hormones which overide the androgen signals to boost oil making in the glands of the face.

Acne Surgery

None of the above works for blackheads which are like burnt out oil wells. Blackhead pores are already open, their is no bacteria, and their is no inflammation. Dermabrasion is the solution and essentially is using sandpaper to scrub out the old oil out of the pores. This is done by a specialist in skin called a dermatologist. Seeing one is no different to seeing your family doctor - chose one in your area and phone to make an appointment.

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